Vanecek, Margonari Join Bears for Calder Cup Finals

Jun 1, 2016

NORTH CHARLESTON, SC–The South Carolina Stingrays announced today that goaltender Vitek Vanecek has been reassigned to the club's American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Hershey Bears. Additionally, forward Dylan Margonari has been re-signed to an Amateur Tryout Agreement by Hershey after appearing in four playoff games with the Stingrays. Both players will report to the Bears prior to Game 1 of the Calder Cup Finals, which is tonight in Hershey versus the Lake Erie Monsters.

With the Stingrays, Vanecek, 20, posted a record of 18-7-5-1 in 32 appearances during his rookie season. He finished with the second best goals-against average in the ECHL at 2.03, and the fourth best save percentage among rookie goaltenders at .917. The native of Havlickuv Brod, Czech Republic earned league honors four times during the 2015-16 campaign, including being named to the ECHL All-Rookie Team. He also was named the CCM Hockey ECHL Rookie of the Month in November, the CCM Hockey ECHL Goaltender of the Week for March 7-13, and the Warrior Hockey ECHL Goaltender of the Month for March. In the playoffs, Vanecek went 6-4 with a 2.31 goals-against average and a .914 save percentage.

Vanecek, a second-round selection of the Washington Capitals (39th overall) in 2014, appeared in Hershey's regular season finale, making 25 saves in a 2-1 shootout win versus Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. He was the game's first star.

Margonari, 24, joined South Carolina on May 20 and appeared in four playoff games after being signed to a Amateur Tryout Agreement under emergency conditions. The product of Minnesota State University, Mankato skated in two regular season games with Hershey.

South Carolina's 2016-17 season opens in October. Opening Night is October 22 versus the rival Greenville Swamp Rabbits! 2016-17 Season Ticket Packages are on sale now featuring discounted pricing and great benefits! For more information, fans may call the Stingrays' offices at 843.744.2248 or visit StingraysHockey.com.